SJ-9A (38860)

COSPAR: 2012-056A | Alt Name: Shi Jian 9A

Image
SJ-9A Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

October 14, 2012

Launch Site

TAISC

Launch Pad

LC9

Launch Vehicle

Chang Zheng 2C

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

38860

International Designator

2012-056A

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:57:09 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

97.67°

Right Ascension

156.54°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

198.02°

Period

96.94 min

Mean Motion

14.86 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info

Name

SJ-9A

Alternative Name

Shi Jian 9A

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

ZZWYZ

Country

China

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 38860U 12056A   26185.20635766  .00001205  00000-0  14494-3 0  9999
2 38860  97.6719 156.5433 0024961 198.0231 162.0102 14.85512146702119

Source: Celestrak

Summary
SJ-9A, also known as Shi Jian 9A, is a technological experiment satellite launched on October 14, 2012, from TISC's LC9 launch pad using the Chang Zheng 2C launch vehicle. It was manufactured by SAST and owned by ZZWYZ. The spacecraft has a configuration of CAST2000 with dimensions of 2.9 meters in length, 2.5 meters in diameter, and an 8.6-meter span. It weighs 800 kilograms both at launch and dry mass. Equipped with a LIPS-200 ion thruster and HET-40 Hall-effect thrusters for propulsion, the satellite is powered by two deployable solar arrays and batteries. The purpose of SJ-9A is to conduct technological experiments in orbit.
Physical Characteristics

Length

2.9

Diameter

2.5

Span

8.6

Dry Mass

800

Launch Mass

800

Shape

Box + 2 Pan

Radar Cross Section

2.5335

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Shi Jian 9 hao A weixing

Purpose

Technological experiments

Mission

Technological experiments

Manufacturer

SAST

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

CAST-2000

Configuration

CAST2000

Motor

LIPS-200 ion thruster, HET-40 Hall-effect thrusters

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

2 deployable solar arrays, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Map
This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Space Brief 9 Jul 2025

Space Brief 9 Jul 2025

Today's brief covers the U.S. Space Force's new international strategy, Northrop Grumman's Golden Dome project, and ULA's Vulcan launches, alongside military budget priorities.

The Day America Gained New Eyes on Mars

The Day America Gained New Eyes on Mars

Fifty-six years ago, a revolutionary spacecraft launched toward the Red Planet after being saved from disaster by two quick-thinking technicians who risked their lives to prevent a rocket collapse

Space Brief 30 Aug 2024

Space Brief 30 Aug 2024

Today's highlights include General Dynamics' contract extension with SDA, ABL Space Systems layoffs, NASA's Crew-9 mission adjustments, and Galactic Energy's successful satellite launch.

The Day That Humans Discovered Rocket Fuel

The Day That Humans Discovered Rocket Fuel

On February 2, 1909, Robert Goddard made a revolutionary breakthrough in his notebook: liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen could achieve 50% efficiency in converting heat energy to kinetic energy for rocket propulsion

Senate Passes $839B Defense Bill, L3Harris Doubles Down on Space Business | KeepTrack Space Brief

Senate Passes $839B Defense Bill, L3Harris Doubles Down on Space Business | KeepTrack Space Brief

Senate clears $839B defense spending bill ensuring Pentagon space domain funding. L3Harris reaffirms space sector commitment amid Golden Dome expansion. York Space raises $629M in public offering.

Space Force Awards First-Ever $52M Satellite Deorbit Contract to Starfish Space | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force Awards First-Ever $52M Satellite Deorbit Contract to Starfish Space | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force awards first-of-its-kind $52M contract to Starfish Space for deorbiting defunct satellites. AST SpaceMobile selected for Missile Defense Agency SHIELD program. $26B Space Force budget confirmed.

X Report 17 Dec 2025

X Report 17 Dec 2025

SpaceX prepares for a busy launch schedule with key upgrades at Starbase and notable Starlink missions. Recent close approaches in orbit underscore the complexities of satellite operations.

X Report 23 Oct 2025

X Report 23 Oct 2025

SpaceX continues to break records with its Falcon 9 missions while facing public scrutiny from Elon Musk regarding NASA's leadership. Meanwhile, satellite spectrum battles heat up as Lynk Global and Omnispace prepare to merge.